Skywatcher Maksutov telescope MC 102/1300 Starquest DX EQ

MC 102/1300 Starquest DX Telescope

The MC 102/1300 Starquest DX telescope features a high-performance Maksutov-Cassegrain optical system, making it an ideal companion for travel, astronomical observation, and nature watching as a reflector spotting scope. With its 102mm aperture and long 1300mm focal length packed into an ultra-compact 28cm tube, it yields high-contrast views of planetary details, lunar craters, and deep-sky objects. SkyHunters provides dedicated customer support to assist you with any assembly or operational guidance post-purchase.

Key advantages

• Ultra-compact optical design: Long 1300mm focal length within a 28cm tube length that fits virtually into hand luggage.
• High light collection capacity: 102mm aperture gathers 210x–212x more light than the naked eye, outperforming 90mm optics.
• High-contrast images: Maksutov design with meniscus corrector lens and quartz-protected aluminium coatings (94% reflectivity).
• Terrestrial observation & photography: Built-in T-2 thread on the 1.25" connection allows easy connection of SLR cameras for bird and nature photography or lunar imaging.
• High-quality Starquest DX mount: Equatorial design allows tracking celestial objects on a single axis using a flexible shaft or an optional tracking motor.
• Primary mirror focusing: Side adjustment knob moves the primary mirror to offer large back-focus capabilities for add-ons.

Product description

Astronomically, the MC 102/1300 telescope provides resolution down to 1.13–1.35 arc seconds, turning planets into detailed observation targets. Deep sky exploration of objects such as the Orion Nebula or the summer Milky Way is equally enjoyable. The optical design combines a spherical primary mirror and meniscus secondary lens with 94% aluminium reflectivity for optimal image clarity.

Unlike classic spotting scopes that require expensive camera adapters, this telescope includes broad nature photography adaptations out of the box. The integrated T-2 thread enables straightforward attachment of SLR cameras, enabling low-cost bird photography at a focal length of 1300mm. Precise sharpness is achieved by adjusting the side knob, moving the main mirror to yield extensive back focus.

The Starquest DX mount is lightweight yet sturdy, supporting up to 5kg payload. Once polar aligned to latitude and north, single-axis rotation via the flexible shaft keeps celestial objects centered in the eyepiece without needing simultaneous two-axis adjustments like an alt-azimuth mount. Both axes feature 360° rotation. The assembly includes a height-adjustable steel tripod (68–116cm) with an accessory plate and a 1kg counterweight.

Technical specifications

Package contents

• MC 102/1300 Optical Tube
• Starquest DX Equatorial Mount
• Height-adjustable steel tripod with accessory tray
• 1.25" Eyepieces (20mm, 10mm)
• Red Dot finder scope
• 1.25", 90° star diagonal
• Counterweight (1 kg) — 1 pc.
• Slow motion flexible cables — 2 pcs.
• Smartphone camera adapter